High affinity copper transporter 1 (CTR1) mRNA (CTR1 mRNA)

High affinity copper transporter 1 (CTR1) mRNA, encoded by the SLC31A1 gene, is the transcript for the major protein responsible for high-affinity copper uptake in mammalian cells (UniProt P55915). The CTR1 protein functions as a homotrimer on the plasma membrane, creating a channel-like structure that allows the passage of Cu(I) ions into the cell (PubMed: 22903970). Beyond its physiological role in copper homeostasis, CTR1 is a key mediator for the cellular entry of platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin and carboplatin (PubMed: 12068305). Consequently, the expression levels of CTR1 mRNA are often correlated with the sensitivity or resistance of various cancers to these treatments (PubMed: 24551218). While CTR1 mRNA itself is a target for experimental RNA interference (RNAi) and antisense technologies to study copper-dependent pathways, clinical applications must account for the essential nature of copper in mitochondrial respiration and antioxidant defense (PubMed: 21930711). Modulating this mRNA provides a potential avenue for overcoming drug resistance in oncology or managing copper-related metabolic disorders.

Other names

SLC31A1 mRNASolute carrier family 31 member 1 mRNACOPT1 mRNACopper transporter 1 mRNA

RNA interference or antisense-mediated degradation of the SLC31A1 transcript to reduce the expression of the Copper transporter 1 protein.